“
“The effects of aluminum (Al) exposure on reproductive functions of male rats were investigated. Forty male Wistar rats (4 weeks old) weighing 75-95 g were randomly divided into four groups and orally exposed to 0 (control group GC), 64.18 (low-dose group GL), 128.36 (middle-dose group GM), and 256.72 (high-dose group GH) mg/kg aluminum trichloride in drinking water for 120 days. The levels of testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined

by radioimmunoassay. The androgen receptor (AR) expressions in testes were detected Ro-3306 datasheet respectively by immunohistochemistry and time quantitative PCR. Results showed that the levels of T and LH in GM and GH were lower than those in GC (P < 0.05), but there were no significant changes in FSH level in all Al-treated groups (P > 0.05). Selleck MAPK inhibitor AR protein expressions in GM and GH were lower than those in GC (P < 0.05), and

there was a dose-response relationship between Al-exposure doses and AR protein expressions. The levels of AR mRNA expressions were lower in all Al-treated groups than those of GC (P < 0.05). The results indicate that Al can cause endocrinal disorders and interfere with AR expression, which suppresses development and functional maintenance of the testes.”
“Background and Aim: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a general population in Taiwan.\n\nMethods: A validated symptom questionnaire, the Chinese GERD questionnaire, was utilized to determine the prevalence of GERD within a community in Taiwan. A cut-off value for GERD diagnosis was a total score >= 12. Additionally,

demographic data, including sex, age, body mass index, and consumption of tobacco and alcohol, were recorded, and a logistic regression analysis was conducted to search the independent risk factors for the development of GERD in a general population.\n\nResults: In total, 1238 residents were recruited for this study. The monthly frequencies of heartburn, epigastric acidic discomfort, and acid regurgitation were 4.4%, 3.7%, and 2.9%, respectively. learn more The GERD prevalence was 25% in the community. The multivariate analysis showed that female sex and age of 40-49 years and 50-59 years were independent risk factors related to the development of GERD, with odd ratios of 1.71, 3.65, and 2.41, respectively (95% confidence intervals: 1.26-2.34, 1.62-8.21, and 1.11-2.54, respectively).\n\nConclusions: GERD has become a common disorder in the general population in Taiwan. Female sex and age of 40-49 years and 50-59 years are risk factors for the development of GERD within a community.”
“McArdle disease (MD) is a metabolic myopathy due to myophosphorylase deficiency.